Choosing the best thermal imaging camera for an electrical inspection can be confusing since many companies provide many thermal cameras.
I have created a list of the latest thermal cameras for electrical inspections. This article will let you know the features and benefits of some of the best thermal cameras in brief.
From the list, I have chosen two thermal cameras that can be the best choice for you if you are looking for a thermal imager for electrical inspections.
Let’s see their details first.
What Makes The FLIR E54 And FLIR E8-XT The Best Thermal Cameras?
The features and specifications of the FLIR E54 and FLIR E8-XT are discussed below.
The FLIR E54 is a thermal camera that features MSX technology, which allows it to produce high-quality images by combining thermal and visible light data. It also has a wide FOV, making it ideal for surveillance and security applications.
- The E54 is equipped with FLIR’s patented Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX) technology, which enhances the clarity of thermal images by adding visible light details.
- FLIR E54 is a top-of-the-line thermal camera with many features. It has a high-resolution 320×240 pixel sensor that produces clear and detailed images, making it perfect for various applications.
- Additionally, the E54 has a wide field of view and can be used to measure temperatures up to 650 °C (1202 °F). This feature makes it ideal for use in both industrial and commercial settings. Finally, the E54 is very easy to use, with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to start.
- The FLIR E54 is a top-of-the-line thermal camera with many features. It has a high resolution of 640×480 and a 4″ display, which gives you clear and precise images. The E54 also has onboard storage so that you can save pictures and video footage for later analysis.
- Additionally, it has a USB port, so you can quickly transfer files to your computer. Finally, the E54 comes with FLIR’s proprietary software, making it easy to use and navigate. The E54 also has an intuitive user interface designed for easy operation.
2. FLIR E8-XT
The FLIR E8-XT is a top-of-the-line thermal camera that offers many features and benefits. It has a high-resolution infrared sensor that lets you see even the smallest details.
The camera also has a wide temperature range, so you can use it in hot and cold environments. Additionally, the E8-XT is very rugged and can withstand being dropped or hit by something.
- The FLIR E8-XT is a top-of-the-line thermal camera that offers many features and benefits. It has a high resolution of 320×240 pixels, which allows for great detail and accuracy when taking pictures or videos. Additionally, the E8-XT has a wide 45° x 34° field of view, making it easier to see what’s happening around you.
- This camera also comes equipped with FLIR’s exclusive MSX Technology, which enhances image quality and provides even more detail. It can measure –20°C to +250°C (–4°F to +482°F)/10°C to 550°C (50°F to +1022°F), which will allow you to inspect electrical faults accurately.
- The FLIR E8-XT features a large, high-resolution 3.0″ 320×240 color LCD, making it easy to see what’s going on, even in low light conditions. This camera also has a built-in laser pointer that makes it easy to target objects and a built-in LED light that will make it easier to see in the dark.
- The E8-XT comes with various lenses that can be swapped to suit your needs. This camera also has a detachable battery pack that makes it easy to keep the camera running for extended periods.
- The E8-XT has a wide field of view (55° x 43°), allowing you to see more of your surroundings. The camera also features advanced image processing that enhances the quality of your images. Finally, the E8-XT is very easy to use, making it an excellent choice for professionals and amateurs alike.
Specifications of the FLIR E8-XT and the FLIR E54
| Specification | FLIR E8-XT | FLIR E54 |
| IR resolution | 320 x 240 pixels | 320 x 240 pixels |
| Object temperature range | –20°C to +250°C (–4°F to +482°F)/10°C to 550°C (50°F to +1022°F) | -20°C to 120°C (-4°F to 248°F)/0°C to 650°C (32°F to 1202°F) |
| Thermal sensitivity | <0.05°C (0.09°F)/<50 mK | <40 mK @ 30°C (86°F) |
| Image presentation mode | MSX and VividIR | 1 area meter in live mode, 3 spot-meters in live mode, |
| Dimension | 3.7 x 9.6 x 5.5 inches | 11 x 4.6 x 4.4 inches |
| Weight | 1.27 pounds | 2.2 pounds |
| Batteries | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
| Batterie life | N/A | N/A |
| Spot meter | Yes | Yes |
| Ratings | 4.7 | 5 |
| Warranty | 10 Thermal Years Thermal Detector Warranty, 2 Years Parts and Labor | 10 Years Thermal Detector Warranty, 2 Years Parts and Labor |
The FLIR E54 has a high resolution and a wide temperature range. It makes this camera powerful enough to detect electrical faults in any object.
On the flip side, the FLIR E8-XT has VividIR and MSX technology for sharp and accurate images. As a result, it helps diagnose electrical problems more efficiently.
You can choose either of these cameras. But, if you don’t like them, look at the cameras listed below.
3. FLIR E5
The FLIR E5 is a high-performance thermal camera designed for professionals. It features a rugged, ergonomic design and is easy to use. In addition, the E5 has a long battery life, making it ideal for use in the field. The camera also has advanced image processing capabilities, allowing you to capture clear, sharp images.
FLIR E5 is a versatile tool that can be used for various applications, such as building inspection, electrical inspection, and HVAC/R inspection.
This camera features a 120×90 pixel infrared sensor and a 3 -inch color 640 x 480 LCD. The camera also has a built-in digital camera for taking pictures and videos. The FLIR E5 has several features and benefits that make it an ideal choice for those looking for a thermal camera.
Additionally, the E5 has a built-in laser pointer that helps you identify specific hot or cold spots, and it comes with a software package that lets you store and analyze your images.
FLIR E5 is a high-performance thermal camera with many features. It has an extensive temperature range of 20°C to +250°C ( 4°F to 482°F), which is efficient for electrical inspections.
The camera also has a built-in LED light that can be used to illuminate dark areas. In addition, the E5 has a wide 45° x 34° field of view that allows you to see more of the site you’re scanning. It also has a long battery life, so you can use it for extended periods without worrying about recharging.
Pros
- MSX technology
- Compact and rugged
- Five years battery replacement warranty
Cons
- Sometimes gets out of focus
4. FLIR E4
The FLIR E4 thermal camera is excellent for those who need to see in the dark or in challenging lighting. This camera uses thermal imaging to provide clear images, even in complete darkness.
And FLIR E4 also has several features that make it an excellent choice for those who need a high-quality thermal camera. For example, these cameras have a large field of view, high-resolution images, and the ability to record video.
FLIR E4 is a thermal camera that offers a variety of features and benefits. It includes a 640 x 480-pixel digital camera, as well as a temperature range of –15°C to 50°C (5°F to 122°F). Moreover, the FLIR TG275 has a built-in LED light, making it easy to take pictures in low-light conditions.
The FLIR E4 thermal camera is a versatile tool for various applications. It has a high-resolution 80×60 (4,800 pixels) infrared detector and advanced image processing on a 3″ LCD.
These features allow the user to see temperature differences with great accuracy, identify hot and cold spots, and track the progress of thermal events.
E4 also includes a built-in digital camera and an LED flashlight for taking pictures and videos in low-light conditions. The FLIR E4 also has a long battery life, so you can keep using it even when the power goes out.
Pros
- MSX technology
- Tough and rugged
- Long battery life
Cons
- Doesn’t have Wi-FI
5. FLIR TG275
The FLIR TG275 thermal camera is a handheld infrared camera that offers many features and benefits. For example, the camera has a built-in visual camera that allows you to see in the dark and capture images and videos.
Furthermore, the TG275 thermal camera has a high-resolution infrared sensor that lets you see minute temperature differences.
This camera can help find hidden leaks, electrical faults, and other problems. Finally, the TG275 has software that makes it easy to add annotations, measurements, and other data to your images and videos.
The FLIR TG275 thermal camera is a handheld device with a built-in display and a resolution of 19,200 pixels. It also has a thermal sensitivity of 0.1°C, which allows users to see minute temperature differences.
FLIR TG275 is a powerful and affordable thermal camera that can be used for various applications. It features a 320×240 pixel display resolution, a built-in illuminator of 100 lumens, and a 6500 K flashlight. Additionally, it has a 25 °C to 550°C (-13°F to 1022°F) temperature measurement range.
The TG275 also has a 2.4″ color LCD screen, making it easy to view images and identify potential problems. Additionally, the camera allows you to share pictures and data with other devices via USB for further analysis.
FLIR TG275 thermal camera is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for professionals who need to find hidden problems quickly and easily.
The TG275 features advanced image processing, a wide field of view, and a large, bright display that makes it easy to find and diagnose problems. The TG275 also features an IP54 enclosure, making it durable.
Pros
- Patented precision
- Pinpoint laser
- Five color pallets
Cons
- Short LCD screen
6. FLIR C5
The FLIR C5 is a pocket-sized thermal camera that lets you see the world in a new way. With its built-in display and advanced imaging capabilities, the C5 gives you the power to see heat signatures in complete darkness, identify potential safety hazards, and even find hidden pests around your home.
FLIR C5 is a compact thermal camera ideal for building, electrical, and mechanical inspections. It features a 160 x 120 (19,200) infrared sensor that can detect temperature differences of 0.1°C. The camera also has a 3.5-inch color LCD and an LED flashlight for illumination in dark areas.
The C5 is rugged and water resistant, making it ideal for harsh environments.
The FLIR C5 is a thermal camera ideal for various applications, from building inspections and energy audits to HVAC, electrical, and mechanical repairs. The camera features a -20 to 400 C (-4 to 752ºF) temperature range, which is sufficient for most applications. It also has a 640×480 display that makes it easy to view images.
FLIR C5 is a small, lightweight thermal camera ideal for many applications. Additionally, it features a 5-megapixel visual camera, a 60-second startup time, and MSX mode. The camera also has FLIR ignite cloud and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Pros
- Big display
- Pocket size
- Compact
- Online data transfer
Cons
- Short battery life
- It takes a long time to fully charged
The Seek Thermal Shot Pro is a handheld thermal camera that allows users to see in complete darkness and through visual obstructions.
It features a high-resolution display, color palette options, and on-screen temperature measurement and is ruggedized for durability. The camera also has a USB port for outputting thermal images and videos.
Seek Thermal Shot Pro is a handheld thermal camera that allows you to identify animals and people at a long range and find missing people. It features a 320 x 240-pixel resolution, a 9 Hz frame rate, and a thermal sensitivity of 70 MK.
This camera also includes a built-in LED flashlight for added visibility in low-light conditions.
Seek Thermal Shot Pro is a high-quality, affordable thermal camera that offers many features and benefits. This camera has a display resolution of 640×480 pixels and a 3.5″ touch screen, which is perfect for most applications, and also includes a laser pointer for targeting.
Additionally, it has a temperature range of -40°F to 626°F (-40°C to 330°C).
This camera also has onboard storage so you can save images and videos, and it comes with Wi-Fi connectivity for easy data transfer to your computer. The Seek Thermal Shot Pro is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a thermal camera.
Pros
- Create clear, precise images
- Smooth image capture
- Visibility in low-light conditions
- Rechargeable battery for hours of uninterrupted use
Cons
- Short storage
The Seek Thermal Reveal Pro is a high-end, professional-grade thermal camera with excellent features and benefits. It has an exceptional resolution, which is higher than most other thermal cameras on the market, and also offers a wide field of view.
Additionally, it has a built-in LED light that helps to illuminate targets in low light conditions and also has onboard storage so that you can save images and videos for later analysis.
Seek Thermal Reveal Pro is a high-quality thermal camera with several features and benefits. It has a 320 x 240-pixel resolution, which is significantly higher than most other thermal cameras on the market, and it also has a viewing angle of 32 degrees.
This feature allows you to see more of your surroundings when using the camera and makes it easier to identify heat sources.
The Reveal Pro also has an advanced image processing algorithm that enhances image quality, making it even easier to see heat sources. Hence, the camera can be used in low-light conditions.
Seek Thermal Reveal Pro is a handheld thermal camera that lets you see entirely in darkness. In addition, it features nine color palettes, making it easy to know what you’re looking for. The Reveal Pro also has a temperature range of -40°F to 626°F (-40°C to 330°C), making it ideal for use in a variety of situations.
It features a 9 Hz frame rate and 300 lumens LED flashlight. With that, this thermal camera can see in the dark and through visual obstructions.
Pros
- High resolution
- 500 feet object distance
- Works day and night
Cons
- Bad image quality
9. FLIR C3-X
The FLIR C3-X is a high-performance, pocket-sized thermal camera with MSX image enhancement and a built-in LED work light. It also has a large color LCD, which makes it easy to view images and navigate the menu.
The C3-X is designed for various applications, including electrical inspection, HVAC/R inspection, plumbing inspection, and building diagnostics. It can also be used for general-purpose thermal imaging, such as checking for leaks around doors and windows.
FLIR C3-X is a compact thermal camera that can be used to identify potential electrical, mechanical, and building envelope issues. It features a 128 × 96 (12,288) pixel resolution thermal sensor, a large LCD, and MSX image enhancement.
The FLIR C3-X also has built-in FLIR igniting cloud connectivity to share images and data easily.
The FLIR C3-X features MSX technology, which enhances visible details in your thermal images. This technology also allows you to see temperature readings in real-time, so you can quickly identify hot and cold spots.
C3-X also features a built-in LED light, which makes it easy to take pictures and videos in low-light conditions. Additionally, the camera’s rugged design can withstand being dropped or used in harsh environments.
FLIR C3-X is a pocket-sized thermal camera that lets you see in complete darkness and identify potential safety hazards. It has a temperature range of -20 to 300 °C (-4 to 572°F).
The C3-X also has a wide 54° × 42° field of view so that you can see more of your surroundings simultaneously. Additionally, the camera’s thermal sensor can detect temperature differences as small as 0.1 °C, making it an invaluable tool for identifying potential fire hazards.
Pros
- Compact
- Pocket-sized
- Large display
- Wide FOV
Cons
- Low resolution
10. FLIR TG165-X
The FLIR TG165-X is a powerful and compact thermal camera ideal for various applications, including building inspection, electrical inspection, HVAC/R, and automotive. The camera features advanced image processing and a 5-color pallet, making it easy to see temperature differences. The TG165-X also has a built-in LED flashlight for viewing in low-light conditions.
The FLIR TG165-X is a high-end thermal camera with excellent features and benefits. It has a resolution of 80×60, which is great for capturing clear images and videos.
Moreover, the TG165-X has a temperature range of -25°C to 300°C (-13°F to 572°F), which is perfect for electrical inspections. Finally, the camera comes with a carrying case and an adjustable tripod, so you can easily take it wherever you go.
The FLIR TG165-X is a powerful, easy-to-use thermal camera for various applications. It has a 2.4-inch display, making it ideal for use in multiple settings.
And the TG165-X also features onboard storage so that you can save images and videos for later analysis.
Pros
- Wide field of view
- lightweight and portable
- a built-in display
- Pinpoint laser
Cons
- Low resolution
4 Types Of Thermal Cameras
Here I will discuss four types of thermal cameras that are popular for thermal imaging.
- InSB
InSb is a type of infrared camera that uses a technology known as indium antimonide or InSb. Sb cameras can detect minimal amounts of heat, making them ideal for thermal imaging.
Thermal imaging uses infrared radiation to create an image of an object. InSb cameras are often used in surveillance applications and security, as they can detect human body heat. In addition, they can see even in complete darkness.
The InSb thermal camera is an infrared camera that uses indium antimonide (InSb) as its detector material. InSb is a semiconductor material with a very high atomic number, which gives it superior infrared absorption properties.
As a result, the InSb thermal camera is susceptible to infrared radiation, making it ideal for thermal imaging applications.
2. InGaAs
The InGaAs are types of semiconductor material used in various applications, including the manufacture of optical fibers, lasers, and solar cells. It is also used in fabricating infrared (IR) detectors, which are used in thermal cameras.
InGaAs-based thermal cameras are sensitive to a specific wavelength range of IR radiation, making them ideal for use in various settings, including security, surveillance, and industrial applications.
An InGaAs thermal camera is an infrared camera that uses indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) as its detector material. InGaAs is a direct bandgap semiconductor with a bandgap energy of 1.42 eV, which is ideal for detecting infrared light with wavelengths of between 1-2.5 µm.
The InGaAs thermal devices are also used in night vision, medical imaging, and scientific research.
3. HgCdTe
The HgCdTe thermal camera is an infrared imaging device that uses a mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) sensor to detect infrared radiation. The HgCdTe sensor is a compound semiconductor sensitive to infrared radiation in the 3-5 micron wavelength range.
The HgCdTe sensor is cooled to cryogenic temperatures (-196 degrees Celsius) to increase its sensitivity and reduce noise.
The HgCdTe thermal camera is an infrared imaging device that can detect very faint heat sources. It is used in various applications, including night vision, search and rescue, and surveillance.
HgCdTe cameras are susceptible to infrared radiation, allowing them to see objects in complete darkness.
4. QWIP FPA
The QWIP FPA is a type of thermal camera that uses a quantum well-infrared photodetector (QWIP) as its sensing element. The QWIP FPA can detect infrared radiation between the 8-12 micron range.
QWIP FPA is a thermal camera that uses a (QWIP) quantum well-infrared photodetector as its core sensing element. The QWIP FPA can detect very faint sources of infrared radiation and can be used for various applications, including night vision, security, and medical imaging.
Conclusion
Overall, these listed thermal cameras are the best on the market that I have discussed above with their features and benefits.
Like the FLIR E5 and FLIR E4, they are the best thermal imaging camera with an excellent resolution capable of electrical and HVAC/R inspection.
I hope you find your preferred thermal camera as all the details and information I have given above help you find the best thermal camera for your electric inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Thermal Camera
What are the applications of a thermal camera?
Thermal cameras are used in various applications, including security, search and rescue, building inspection, and predictive maintenance.
How do thermal cameras work?
Thermal cameras can detect infrared radiation and convert it into an electronic signal, then display it as an image on a screen. The net amount of infrared radiation emitted by an object increases with its temperature, so warmer things appear brighter in the picture.
What are the benefits and advantages of using a thermal camera?
Thermal cameras have many advantages, including the ability to see in complete darkness, the ability to detect hidden sources of heat, and the ability to monitor changes in temperature over time.
How much do thermal cameras cost?
The price of a thermal camera depends on its features and quality. Basic models start at around $500, while more advanced models.
What are the disadvantages of using a thermal camera?
Some of the drawbacks to using a thermal camera include the cost of the device and the need for special training to use it effectively.